Device for obtaining soap

EP4495215A4Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-29SOLUCIONES CIRCULARES DE NAVARRA SL
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SOLUCIONES CIRCULARES DE NAVARRA SL
Filing Date
2023-03-15
Publication Date
2026-04-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing soap-making processes in domestic settings are complex, risky, and require expertise, involving manual handling of caustic substances and lack of safety measures, which discourages individuals from making soap at home.

Method used

A compact, automated soap-making device that simplifies the process by using a base with control means, a removable container with helical stirrers and a heating element, and a lid with a water supply system, allowing for safe and efficient soap production without extensive knowledge of saponification.

Benefits of technology

The device enables safe and automated soap production at home, reducing the risk of accidents, improving yield, and allowing for both liquid and solid soap production, while promoting a circular economy by utilizing waste oils.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IMGAF001_ABST
    Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for obtaining soap comprising a base (10) and a container (20) that can be removed from the base (10) of the device with a lid (40), wherein the container (20) is configured to hold used oil, wherein the container (20) comprises: helical stirrers (23), a motor (22) connected to said helical stirrers (23) for the rotation thereof, a heating element (24) configured to provide heat in order to produce a saponification reaction to obtain the soap; and electrodes (25) configured to be connected to connectors (15) situated on the base (10) to power the motor (22) and the heating element (24); and wherein the base (10) of the device comprises: control means (13) configured to control the process for obtaining soap, the heating element (24) and the motor (22).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical field

[0001] The object of the present invention is a device for obtaining soap that allows for domestic soap making in a simple and systematic manner, through a sequence of steps to be carried out by the user in their own home, without requiring any prior knowledge of saponification.

[0002] The device for obtaining soap object of the present invention is applicable in the field of the industry of design, manufacture, marketing and operation of household appliances for domestic or hospitality use, as well as in the field of the industry of soap making.State of the art

[0003] In the state of the art, most of the soap we consume comes from industrial manufacturing processes, in which a lot of machinery and complex processes are involved from the management and coordination point of view.

[0004] The usual main processes in soap making are: stockpiling essential materials for the manufacture (an oil of plant or animal origin, or tallow; and a strong alkali or base, typically sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) or potassium hydroxide (potash)); supplying the oil or fat to a heated receptacle; adding the alkali, while adding water to the mixture and stirring; and there may also be a refining and customising phase, where dyes and fragrances are added. Finally, it is left to cool and the reaction is left to end, obtaining the final product.

[0005] In the domestic sphere, all these processes are directly supervised by the user, who, through experience, determines temperatures, amounts, times, etc. In addition, since it is a high-risk chemical reaction due to the alkali (traditionally caustic soda), the person is exposed to dangers such as inhalation or skin burns (reagent substance). Users in the domestic sphere do not usually have the tools or safety measures created specifically for making soap, which makes the work more complicated and increases the risks to which they are exposed. This process is likely to cause environmental problems as a result of the uncontrolled dumping of the substances used and it requires expertise, which discourages many people from undertaking homemade soap making.

[0006] In view of these problems, devices have been developed, such as Patent ES2457716B1, which discloses a method for making ecological soap and a device for executing the same. In this case, the user is the one who has to manually supply water to the mixture and fill the cups with alkali, as well as stir it directly, which makes it difficult to control a suitable saponification process as it depends on a user who is not experienced in the steps of the process.

[0007] Another solution is Utility Model ES1077013U, which protects a device for making solid soap by means of a system of cascading tanks. The oil is accumulated in a tank that is opened to pour it into a mixing container. Once the mixture is made, it is poured through another valve onto a tray in which the soap solidifies. All this translates into a large machine where the oil is poured into an upper tank together with the oil, and the saponifying agent is placed in the mixing container from an additional tank.

[0008] Finally, application KR1020130125607A describes an apparatus for making soap which uses used cooking oil to prepare soap. A first storage receptacle includes externally supplied used cooking oil; a second bin includes caustic soda; all this is brought together in a stirring part that receives the used cooking oil and caustic soda, stirring and mixing them for a set time. Finally, the mixture is poured onto a tray therein and left to settle.Object of the invention

[0009] In order to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention relates to a device for obtaining soap, which allows the processes necessary for obtaining soap to be simplified and automated, in such a way that it makes it easier for any person to obtain soap in their own home and safely in a compact device.

[0010] The device for obtaining soap object of the present invention comprises a base and a container that can be removed from the base of the device with a lid, wherein the container is configured to hold used oil (or any oil, fat or tallow from which soap can be obtained) accumulated by a user of the device, wherein the container comprises helical stirrers; a motor connected to said helical stirrers for the rotation thereof; a heating element configured to provide heat, a mixture of oil and water, with a reagent product to produce a saponification reaction to obtain the soap; and electrodes configured to be connected to connectors situated on the base to power the motor and the heating element; and wherein the base of the device comprises control means configured to control the process for obtaining soap from oil with a reagent product and water supplied to the container, the heating element and the motor.

[0011] By means of the device described above, a household appliance-type tool is provided which facilitates obtaining both liquid and solid soap by any person (user) with absolute safety in their own home, in an automated manner, without the need to have extensive knowledge about the chemistry of the saponification process, since the control means control the saponification reaction process automatically. Likewise, it is possible to obtain a high percentage of transformation of the oil into soap, reducing or avoiding traces of alkali, favouring a greater yield of the chemical reaction when the mixture is homogeneously carried out in a controlled manner. The configuration of the elements of this device allows for great compactness, and it also facilitates the disposal of the used oil by having a manageable jug that can be removed from the device as a whole.

[0012] Preferably, the device comprises second connectors configured to be connected to second electrodes of the lid and to establish electrical and / or data contact between the lid and the base. Thus, the device must be assembled; in other words, with the container attached to the base and the lid placed on the container so that the process can be started. This system makes it possible to check that the assembly is correctly assembled and that the electrical connection between the base and the container and said container and the lid is correct.

[0013] This feature ensures that the process for obtaining soap cannot start (unsuccessfully, due to possible user carelessness) if the container has not been closed with the lid, thus avoiding any splashing of the mixture or accidents with the helical stirrers, providing a safe device that prevents any danger to the user once the saponification process has started.

[0014] Preferably, the measurement of the oil together with the water can be performed externally using a measuring cup. Once the necessary amount of oil and water has been measured, it would be poured into the container and the process could start.

[0015] The previous step of the process is to pour the amount of oil and water required to make the soap into the container. This action can be carried out in the container itself or with the help of an external measuring receptacle for the oil. Preferably, the water supply is carried out manually by pouring the oil together with the water into the container. Alternatively, only the oil is poured into the container and the device comprises a water supply system that automatically supplies the container with the water required for saponification from a tank. Subsequently, said water supply system, in the event that a refining phase is necessary, will supply water with a refining reagent to complete the process for obtaining soap.

[0016] Optionally, the device comprises an oil volume meter configured to measure the volume of oil present in the container. The oil volume meter is connected to the control system. The control system is configured to allow the process for obtaining soap to start only if it detects that the volume of oil present in the container is between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold.

[0017] Then the lid is placed and the reagent in capsule, powder or liquid form that produces the saponification of the soap is introduced, preferably through a slot in the lid. The user selects the desired programme for making the soap, starting to heat and stir the oil and the water. The lid through which it is poured has a certain height with respect to the slot, which provides anti-splash protection for the user.

[0018] Alternatively, the reagent supply can be automatic, for example with an automatic supply system arranged in the lid. This automatic form could be through automated hatches or through a rotating element that tilts the reagent at the right time, so that the control means control the time at which the reagent must be supplied so that the reaction occurs in the most optimal manner.

[0019] According to a possible embodiment, the water supply system comprises a water volume sensor for a water tank. The water volume sensor is connected to the control means. The control means are configured to allow the process for obtaining soap to start only if it detects that the water volume inside the water tank is above a predetermined minimum threshold, for the design option in which water is automatically supplied to the container into which only oil has initially been poured.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the water supply system comprises a pump, a water conduit, a water outlet nozzle and, optionally, a flow meter. The flow meter and pump are connected to the control means. The control means are configured to control the amount of water supplied to the container at all times throughout the process for obtaining soap by operating the pump at the right time and with the precise amount.

[0021] In this way, it is possible to dose the amount of water that has been introduced into the container at all times of the process for obtaining soap, and it is even possible to gradually introduce a certain amount of water throughout the entire process for obtaining soap.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the device for obtaining soap, the water tank is removably attached to the lid, such that the tank acts as a closure of the reagent supply slot when it is attached to the lid. The water supply system then comprises a seat valve in the lid configured to open when the water tank is inserted into the lid of the device, allowing the passage of water to the pump.

[0023] In this way, in the event that the pump is turned on, the seat valve prevents the pump from working and sucking in air from the environment because the water tank has not been connected to the lid of the device. Optionally, there may be a water tank detection sensor if required or an electrically controlled valve.

[0024] Preferably, the water tank has a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the lid for its attachment.

[0025] According to a feature of the invention, it is provided that the device comprises a gas outlet conduit for gases from the reaction. Preferably, said gas outlet conduit is formed in the attachment between the lid and the water tank, leaving an escape route to the outside, preferably through a nozzle that coincides with a formation of the container through which the soap is poured.

[0026] Optionally, the device comprises an anchoring detector configured to detect whether the container is anchored or inserted into the base of the device. The anchoring detector is connected to the control means in such a way that it allows the process for obtaining soap to start only if it detects that the container is anchored to the body of the device and the lid is anchored to the container.

[0027] Preferably, the device comprises thermal detection means, such as a thermal probe or a thermal switch. Preferably, it comprises a thermal switch, configured to control the temperature of the mixture of the oil and reagent product in the container. The thermal switch is connected to the control means so that the power supply to the heating element is disconnected if it detects that the temperature of the mixture of the oil and reagent product exceeds a predetermined upper threshold.

[0028] In this way, it is possible to control the temperature of the mixture of the oil, water and reagent, avoiding overheating of said mixture, and keeping it at an optimal temperature to maximise the efficiency of the process for obtaining soap.

[0029] The heating element is located in the container, preferably at the base of the container. For example, by means of resistors that transmit heat to the mixture by conduction.

[0030] According to another feature of the invention, the base comprises a cooling system for cooling the motor located in the container to prevent overheating by cooling it by convection.

[0031] According to another feature of the invention, the container comprises on its inner wall at least one longitudinal projection that projects towards the inside of the container. Longitudinal is understood to be an elongate element with a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the helical stirrers. The function of these projections is to promote the mixing of substances and the production of soap by creating turbulence inside the container. The projections may be, for example, in the shape of a triangular prism and may be smooth or have a certain relief, channels.

[0032] The device for obtaining soap comprises a user interface (for example, a touch screen, and / or a screen together with one or more push buttons and a possible loudspeaker). In this way, the user can give commands or receive information from the device.

[0033] Preferably, this user interface is configured to allow the user to select between different types of processes for obtaining soap (for example, it allows the user to choose a process to obtain liquid soap or a process to end up obtaining a solid soap, which will involve different reagent products, different proportions of water, different times and / or temperatures). These types of processes can be automatically regulated by the device without the need for any adjustment by the user.

[0034] Optionally, the interface may also include a button to turn the device on and off. Additionally, it can have a container cleaning programme in which, following certain instructions such as filling the container with water to a certain level, a heating and stirring process is carried out with the sole purpose of eliminating any traces of soap that may remain after making the soap.

[0035] The user interface is also configured to display information about the progress of the process for obtaining soap, including warnings in different ways, such as colour codes or sounds of possible errors in the process, insufficient water in the water tank, insufficient or excess oil in the container, or absence of reagent product (and / or refining and customising substance) in the reagent product supply module.

[0036] According to one design option, the soap device comprises a Wi-Fi connectivity module that transmits information about the device to other devices, such as a mobile phone. This allows this device to be controlled and monitored by the user via Wi-Fi and without the need to be in the presence of the device, as it can be done through an App designed for this purpose. It is also contemplated that the device can be provided with firmware updates, especially remotely.

[0037] The use of the device according to the foregoing is also contemplated as an object of the invention, wherein the reagent product is introduced into the container together with the oil and water, then the container is covered with the lid, it is heated by means of the heating element, it is stirred by means of the helical stirrers to carry out the reaction and, optionally, water is supplied, preferably with the refining substance, through the water supply system while the reaction is completed.

[0038] Given the foregoing, this solution offers a simple and convenient device for making soap for personal use. It thus allows soap to be produced using waste from oils used in everyday cooking in homes, thereby achieving a circular economy and reducing the waste produced in the kitchen.Description of the figures

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the assembled device. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective and exploded view of the different parts that make up the device. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the container from a top position showing the helical stirrers and the longitudinal projections inside the container. Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the base of the device. Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the lid. Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the fully assembled device. Detailed description of the invention

[0040] The figures correspond to a non-limiting practical embodiment, where there may be variations in the formation of the device for making soap as long as the essence of said device is not altered, which is that of having a device made up of a base (10), a container (20) and a lid (40) for making soap. The container (20) can be removed from the base and comprises a motor (22) that rotates helical stirrers (23) to stir the mixture. The lid (40) comprises a water supply system for supplying water to the container. The base (10) has an interface (11) and control means (13) for controlling the processes for making soap.

[0041] Figure 1 shows the device as a whole assembled with the lid (40) attached to the container (20) and said container placed on the base (10).

[0042] Inside the base (10) there is also a motherboard that makes up the control means (13) of the device, connected to the interface (11) to receive information about the user and connected to the rest of the elements involved in the process of making soap. It will also be connected to the device's various safety systems.

[0043] Various options for controlling the device will be displayed on the user interface (11) situated on the base (10). The user interface (11) comprises one or more buttons or push buttons that allow the user to select the type of work cycle and other operating parameters of the device. These capacitive buttons or push buttons can be integrated into the screen of the user interface (11), in which case it is a touch screen or tactile interactive graphic display.

[0044] Optionally, it will have a start and stop button for the device, which will allow the device to be connected without consuming energy when it is not in use. Furthermore, it may have a cleaning programme or system in which, following instructions, any traces of soap that may remain in the container (20) are cleaned.

[0045] The user interface (11) allows the user to select the type of work cycle of the device, as well as, optionally, to start and stop the work cycle when desired, also allowing the operation and the possible error codes to be viewed. Warnings and visual information may be displayed by means of a screen built into the device, as well as optionally audible or light warnings and information.

[0046] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the components of the device according to their assembly arrangement. Thus, the base (10) on which the container (20) is placed is at the bottom. The lid (40) is placed on the container (20) and a water tank (45) is attached to said lid (40). Finally, this water tank (45) has a cover (45.1) to be covered once filled with water.

[0047] Thus, according to a practical embodiment of the device object of the invention, to start the process for making soap, firstly, the container (20) is filled with a mixture of used oil and water, which will preferably have been measured in an external measuring cup with the amounts of both oil and water necessary to complete the reaction for obtaining soap. The container (20) with the required oil and water is arranged on the base (10), so that the electrical connection is established with the base (10) that is connected to the power supply. This connection is established by means of electrodes (25) of the container (20) that connect to connectors (15) of the base (10).

[0048] Once the container (20) is attached to the base (10), the lid (40) is placed on the container (20). An electrical connection is also established in this attachment between the lid (40) and the container (20) by means of second electrodes (48) of the lid (40) that are inserted into connectors (28) of the container (20), such that electrical contact is established between the lid (40) and the base (10). This connection allows the saponification process to be started when the user selects the desired programme on the user interface (11).

[0049] At this moment the reagent is poured through a slot (46) arranged in the lid (40). This reagent product may be made up of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which are caustic compounds that can cause burns when in contact with the skin. Therefore, optionally, they can be compounds that are coated with a protective medium that both prevents contact with the user and prevents the basic compound from being deactivated by the effect of atmospheric components such as CO 2 . This coating must be soluble in the reaction mixture, and must be compatible with the chemical reagents it contains. In this way, the user will be able to touch the capsule with their hand, without the need for any additional protection, and keep it safely under normal environmental conditions. The reagent may be in capsule, powder or liquid form.

[0050] After adding the reagent, the water tank (45) is attached to the lid (40) if automatic water supply is necessary during this first phase in the case that the device has said automatic water supply functionality and the water has not been initially supplied to the container (20) together with the oil. Said water tank (45) will also be necessary for the possible subsequent refining and / or customising phase. This tank also serves to cover the slot (46) and prevent any splashing, allowing gases to exit through the conduit (47).

[0051] At this time and after selecting the soap to be made on the user interface (11), the control means (13) activate both the heating means (24) and the motor (22). The stirring system is started by the rotation of the helical stirrers (23) (figure 3) by the motor (22), in a range between 100 and 3000 rpm, and more preferably at 1500 rpm. Meanwhile heating is started between 80-85°C, a temperature that can be reached in approximately 5 minutes thanks to the heating means (24), which will be in the form of a resistor welded to the bottom of the container (20) and can have a power equal to or greater than 300 W.

[0052] The objective of this first saponification phase is to mix water and oil in order to obtain a stable emulsion within which the saponification reaction is carried out, properly and completely dissolving the reagent. This requires stirring at high speed and at high temperature (around 80-85°C) for approximately one hour. Given the high temperatures reached in this process, the base (10) preferably comprises a cooling system (12) formed by a fan that, through grilles (16), allows the passage of air to the motor (22) of the container (20).

[0053] In this first phase, less water is used to achieve a high concentration of basic reagent (leading to a very high pH), thus trying to maximise the conversion of residual oil and avoiding its existence in the final product. During this step, a highly viscous product is obtained which, due to the centrifugal force, tends to accumulate on the walls of the container (20). To try to mitigate this effect, longitudinal projections (26) can be incorporated that promote turbulence and improve mixing. Optionally, the longitudinal projections (26) are shaped like a triangular prism, although they could be any other shape that favours mixing.

[0054] This stirring is influenced by the shape and the diameter ratio of the helical stirrers (23) and the inside of the container (20). For this reason, the helical stirrers (23) inside the container (20) have a diameter ratio with the container to favour the shear stress in the mixing and the hydrodynamics of the reaction, engulfing the liquid towards the helical stirrers in order to avoid accumulation on the walls and a mixture that is not completely homogeneous.

[0055] Also important are the properties of the material of the container (20), which must not interact with the reaction mixture. For this reason, the container (20) is preferably made of, or lined with, a chemically compatible material with the demanding conditions set by the reaction mixture in the saponification phase.

[0056] In the second optional refining and customising phase of the soapy product, the process of refining the properties of the soap resulting from the saponification phase occurs by neutralising the excess caustic reagent. This soap resulting from the first phase is coarser, but completely valid for certain applications. Likewise, in this second phase, it is possible to customise the fragrance, colour, texture, density, etc. of the product to suit the user, who can choose from among different reagents that are dissolved in the water in the tank (45) and that will be distinguished by their final characteristics.

[0057] In the case where the initial water supply is automatic, the refining reagent is preferably poured manually into the water tank (45) at this time. However, for the preferred case in which the water is supplied together with the oil preliminarily in the container before the beginning of the first phase, said water tank (45) is attached to the lid (40) together with the refining reagent, so that the user does not perform any additional action after switching on and selecting the desired programme. This refining reagent can comprise three main components: an acid reagent that is used to neutralise the essential product; fragrance; and dyes. These last two components are used to modify the colour and smell of the soap. There are also optionally other substances that modify the physical properties such as the texture, density or viscosity of the final product. Optionally, these three components can be wrapped with a material that is compatible with the three types of reagents used and that must be soluble in water. The refining reagents, at least in part, may be in a liquid state since the mixing is carried out at lower revolutions to avoid the formation of foam. The refining reagent product can incorporate adjuvant compounds that increase the stability of the final product, such as surfactants and / or binders and / or water hardness correctors.

[0058] As indicated above, this reagent will be supplied to the water tank (45) to dissolve and be supplied by the water supply system integrated in the lid (40). Said water supply system comprises the removable water tank (45), which is placed on the lid (40), which comprises a seat valve (43) that, when the tank (45) is attached, allows the passage of the liquid to a conduit that is connected to a pump (42) arranged inside the lid (10). In this way, the control means (13) control the water supply system, controlling the pump (42) so that the necessary water or mixture with refining substance is supplied to the container through the nozzle (41), based on the requirements of the saponification reaction.

[0059] Optionally, the water supply system will have a flow meter and a water volume sensor in the water tank (45). According to a possible embodiment, the volume sensor is located in the lid (40) of the device, and is configured to capture the magnetic field of a buoy provided with a magnet, the buoy being located in the water tank (45). However, according to alternative embodiments, the volume sensor can be an optical, humidity or other type of sensor capable of detecting the water volume inside the water tank (45).

[0060] The water supply system introduces the water and the refining reagent inside the container (20) automatically regulated by the device itself. The objective is to ensure that the final product is stable, pleasing to the user and safe for use. During this optional second phase, the mixture obtained in the first phase is stirred at low speed (lower than the stirring of the first saponification phase, for example, around 500 rpm) for the necessary time, with the refining and customising reagents and the amount of water necessary to achieve a chemically stable material and with a pH value compatible with its safe handling by the user. Likewise, the process allows the appropriate viscosity and final appearance to be achieved. At this point it is important not to generate a high volume of foam.

[0061] The final result is a viscous liquid product that is poured into a specific receptacle for storage (bottle or mould).

[0062] In the case of liquid soap, the product will be ready to be used after completion of the refining and customising step.

[0063] In the case of bar soap, the product will be ready to be used after the curing process. Curing can be carried out in a mould external to the device into which the result of the process is poured from the container (20). Curing may take days for the soap to reach a pH suitable for use (up to approximately 40 days).

[0064] Optionally, the device may also comprise an oil volume meter, to measure the amount of oil present in the container (20). This oil volume meter can be a capacitive volume sensor. It is also contemplated that the correct positioning of the container (20) can be detected through said capacitive volume sensor.

[0065] Reading the oil volume meter makes it possible to know whether the oil volume is correct for the process for making soap. This makes it possible to check that the oil level is suitable for the type of soap to be obtained, which will have been previously selected by the user on the user interface (11). If it is not within this range, the device sends an error message through the user interface (11) so that the user can readjust the amount of oil. If the level is too low, complete it with more oil when available. And if it is too high, remove the container (20) and pour the excess into another receptacle.

[0066] According to one design option, it is provided that the device comprises a thermal switch, located near the inner bottom of the container (20), preferably having an accuracy of ± 1°C in the range of 20°C to 80°C. Optionally, the temperature can be controlled by a temperature sensor for more precise control of the reaction temperature. This thermal switch measures the temperature in the container (20) (preferably at the base or bottom of the container (20)) and sends a disconnect / open signal when it is detected that the temperature in the container (20) exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the switch can be configured to disconnect the heating element (24) when it is detected that the temperature rises above a threshold of 85°C, and it can be configured to re-power the heating element (24) when the temperature of the container (20) drops below 79°C.

[0067] In addition, preferably, the control means comprise a communication port to be able to connect with a USB or Wi-Fi communication module and / or with a graphic user interface module depending on the user interface (11) used, the capacitive push buttons and RGB LEDs or graphic touch screen, which may be different for different models of the device. The choice also depends on the desired wireless connectivity with other devices. In this way, it would be possible to control the device by using an App through the Wi-Fi module.

[0068] The microprocessor of the module is an 8-bit microprocessor / microcontroller. Firmware is stored in a flash memory and can be updated through the serial communication.

[0069] This firmware stored in memory in the module includes, at a first level, the routines to periodically calculate the temperature of the mixture in the container (20) and the rotational speed of the motor (22), the water level in the water tank (45), the amount of water added to the mixture, the anchoring / locking of the container (20), and the oil level in the container (20), to detect the user's keystrokes on the user interface (11) and to turn on the sound and / or light indicators of the user interface (11).

[0070] The firmware also includes the routines to calculate the times of the work cycle or programme and the amount of water to be added based on the programme selected by the user, as well as to control the time elapsed in each phase of the work cycle and the status of the detectors / sensors / probes / meters to ensure safety throughout each step of the work cycle. In addition, this part of the firmware incorporates the management and storage of the device's status variables and the possible alarms and faults detected. It also optionally includes the communications routines necessary for wireless communication with other possible user interface devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.).

[0071] As for the sensors / probes / meters / detectors of the device, it should be noted that their existence is essential to ensure the proper operation of the device, and for the convenient removal and safe handling of the soapy product once obtained.

[0072] Optionally, the device can incorporate a pH sensor, to measure the pH level of the soapy product obtained once the cycle has finished, ensuring that the soapy product obtained has a pH level suitable for handling by the user. In the event that the pH result was not optimal, the device would try to solve it and, if not possible, it will issue an alert to discard the result.

[0073] As an alternative to the previous system, a colour pH indicator could optionally be used, so that the resulting product has the colour of the indicator so that the user can ensure that the final pH is correct.

[0074] The control means (13) are prepared for their connectivity with external devices, thus integrating themselves into an loT system, and into a Big Data and artificial intelligence environment.

[0075] The user interface (11) is intuitive and user-friendly, giving the user information about the work cycle and all the variables related to it at all times.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, different buttons or icons associated with different variables could be identified on the user interface (11), in which a series of LEDs light them up in green if the process is carried out correctly and in red if there is some type of incident.

Claims

1. A device for obtaining soap characterised in that it comprises a base (10) and a container (20) that can be removed from the base (10) of the device with a lid (40), wherein the container (20) is configured to hold used oil accumulated by a user of the device, wherein the container (20) comprises: ∘ helical stirrers (23); ∘ a motor (22) connected to said helical stirrers (23) for the rotation thereof; ∘ a heating element (24) configured to provide heat, a mixture of oil and water, with a reagent product to produce a saponification reaction to obtain the soap; and ∘ electrodes (25) configured to be connected to connectors (15) situated on the base (10) to power the motor (22) and the heating element (24) and wherein the base (10) of the device comprises: ∘ control means (13) configured to control the process for obtaining soap from used oil, with a reagent product and water supplied to the container, the heating element (24) and the motor (22).

2. The device for obtaining soap according to claim 1, characterised in that the container (20) comprises second connectors (28) configured to be connected to second electrodes (48) of the lid (40).

3. The device for obtaining soap according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the control means (13) are configured to start the saponification process when the lid (40) makes electrical contact with the base (10).

4. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lid (40) comprises a reagent product supply slot (46) configured to allow the reagent product to pass into the container (20).

5. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lid (40) of the device comprises a water supply system configured to supply water from a tank (45) to the container (20) controlled by the control means (13).

6. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an oil volume meter configured to measure the volume of oil present in the container (20), wherein the oil volume meter is connected to the control system (13), the control system being configured to allow the process for obtaining soap to start only if it detects that the volume of oil present in the container (20) is between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold.

7. The device for obtaining soap according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the water supply system comprises a water volume sensor in the water tank (45), the control means (13) being configured to allow the process for obtaining soap to start only if it detects that the water volume inside the water tank (45) is above a predetermined minimum threshold.

8. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the water supply system comprises a pump (42), a water outlet nozzle (41) and a flow meter, wherein the flow meter and the pump (42) are connected to the control means (13) through the connectors (15), the control means (13) being configured to control the amount of water supplied to the container (20) based on the requirements of the process for obtaining soap.

9. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the tank (45) is removably attached to the lid (10), and wherein the water supply system comprises a seat valve (42) configured to open when the water tank (45) is attached to the lid (10), allowing the passage of water to the pump (42).

10. The device for obtaining soap according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the lid (40) comprises a perimeter wall with a height with respect to the slot (46) and configured for the attachment of the removable water tank (45).

11. The device for obtaining soap according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the water tank (45) comprises a closing cover (45.1) for filling with water and / or supplying reagent product for refining.

12. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises thermal detection means configured to measure the temperature of the mixture of the oil and reagent product in the container (20), wherein the thermal detection means are connected to the control means (13), said control means (13) being configured to disconnect the heating element (24) if it detects that the temperature of the mixture of the oil and reagent product exceeds a predetermined upper threshold.

13. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner wall of the container (20) comprises at least one longitudinal projection (26) that projects towards the inside of the container (20).

14. The device for obtaining soap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base (10) comprises a cooling system (12) for cooling the motor (22) of the container (10).

15. The device for obtaining soap according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a user interface (11) configured to allow the user to select between different types of processes for obtaining soap, and / or display information about the progress of the process for obtaining soap, including warnings of possible errors in the process, insufficient water in the water tank (45), insufficient or excess oil in the container (20).

16. The device for obtaining soap according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a Wi-Fi module for connection to external devices.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Cooking appliance for processing and preparing foods

    CN104172949A

  • Household soap-making device

    CN203846007U

  • Device for obtaining soap

    EP4215599A1

  • Candle Making Apparatus

    US20180291308A1

  • Food preparation appliance

    US6805312B2